I define the awkward phase as just “any period of hair growth where your hair won't do what you want it to do”, and that tends to happen right around the time we would usually get our haircuts but will also probably happen again and again throughout the grow-out journey.
The “awkward stage” occurs when you have decided that you no longer want short hair and you will instead grow it out. Everyone's awkward stage is a bit different depending on their styles, but inevitably, you will find that your hair looks shaggy, uneven, or simply messy at some point in the process.
What is the 'awkward stage' in hair growth? It's the period when hair is too long to be short and too short to be long, often looking unruly and hard to style. How long does the awkward stage last? Typically, it lasts for a few months to a year, depending on hair growth rate and personal hair goals.
Most barbers perform buzz cuts based on the golden 3-2-1 rule. That means a #3 guard on the top, a #2 guard on the sides, and a #1 guard to trim up the edges. A #3 guard is common to start with because it's about as short as you can go before you start seeing your scalp.
A buzz cut requires an even growth pattern to look its best. If your hair grows unevenly or has different textures, a buzz cut might not be the most flattering choice. In such cases, a slightly longer haircut or one that allows for some textural variation might be a better fit.
So, for example, if you get a number 1 buzz cut, that means your barber will use a hair clipper with a number 1 guard attached to it. This will leave your hair at a length of about 1/8 inch or 3mm. On the other hand, a number 8 guard will leave your hair at a length of about 1 inch or 25mm.
Buzz cuts are considered attractive because they exude confidence and masculinity, and also emphasize the natural bone structure of the face.
While a buzz cut can suit many face shapes, it's particularly flattering on those with well-defined bone structures. If you have a round or softer face shape, you might want to consider how the cut will emphasize your features.
The buzz cut is a short hairstyle achieved using hair clippers, resulting in a tidy appearance. It conveys diligence and neatness. The longest buzz cut length is a Number 8, which is approximately 1 inch long.
Those with evenly proportioned diamond, square, or oval shaped faces will suit the look the best. If you don't fall under that bracket, you may still be able to pull one off, but it'll more than likely require some creative use of beard grooming to square off your jawline.
If your kid is going into their junior or senior year, be aware . . . they could be hitting peak AWKWARDNESS. A new poll asked adults how old they were when they felt the most awkward. The average answer was 17. Two-thirds of adults said they still have moments when they feel just as awkward as they did back then.
Although we all love our children no matter what they look like, we all remember periods of our life where we felt stuck in between childhood and adulthood and didn't like it. Typically, what people call the “awkward stage” takes place at around ages 11-14, making middle school a tough time for most kids.
A buzz cut for a receding hairline works well. However, if you have a far-back receding hairline, even a buzz cut might not be able to hide the amount of hair loss.
For most men, the awkward hair stage can stretch from a few months to about a year, heavily influenced by your hair's growth rate, the haircut you're starting from, and the length you're aiming for. Given that hair typically grows about half an inch per month, setting realistic expectations from the get-go is key.
Number 7 Haircut A number 7 haircut can be used to get a crew cut with clippers. At 7/8 of an inch, a #7 guard is best for buzzing your hair on top without the hassle of using scissors. Just remember to use the smaller clipper sizes to give yourself a clean fade on the sides.
Number two haircut
Although still very short, the popular number two clipper guard is also used for buzz cuts and fades. However, because the hair is a quarter of an inch long the scalp is not exposed in the way that it is with a zero or one cut. This makes it a good cut for guys who have thin hair or who are balding.
how long does it take for a buzz cut to grow back. A buzz cut is a short hairstyle typically achieved with clippers and a single guard length. On average, hair grows about half an inch per month, so it would take about 1 to 2 months for a buzz cut to grow out to a length that is no longer considered a buzz cut.
Many girls today appreciate the confidence and individuality that come with sporting a buzz cut. The Appeal of Confidence: Confidence is undeniably attractive, regardless of hairstyle. Girls are often drawn to guys who exude self-assurance, and a buzz cut can be a symbol of that confidence.
For example, if you have a strong jawline, a buzz cut can help accentuate this feature and create a more defined look. On the other hand, if you have softer features, a buzz cut may add a touch of edginess and contrast to your overall appearance.
The contemporary and best buzz cut for men is achieved through mid-skin fade from the back and side areas. Your barber will pair these buzz-cut styles with a 5 or 6 guard on the top. A few common styles are textured French crop, crop fade, top fade, or messy textured crop buzz.
A 3-2-1 buzz cut has a No. 3 guard on top, No. 2 on the sides, and No. 1 around the edges.
In 2025, simplicity and sophistication have taken center stage in men's grooming, with the textured buzz haircut leading the charge in NYC. This modern take on a classic haircut has captivated the city's fashion-conscious men, offering a clean yet stylish aesthetic that requires minimal upkeep.
Fashion and Style
Buzz cuts can convey a sense of confidence, edginess, and simplicity. Many find the clean, sharp look of a buzz cut appealing and stylish.